To Live Again

Chapter Text

The return to Asgard was tense. No words were spoken between the two brothers and they landed out of the portal. Thor leads Loki quietly through the back roads of Asgard away from the people who's judgment and comments were not needed. At one point Thor chanced a glance at Loki as they approached the palace to see if Loki would show any emotion or reaction. Fear, uncertainty, disdain. Neither look crossed Loki's face, his expression schooled into one of complete aloofness. Thor turns away from Loki and leads him through the palace doors and into the throne room. Odin and Frigga are the only two there. Frigga stands beside Odin her eyes quickly looking to Loki, looking at his condition. Her eyes become suspiciously wet and she blinks once. Loki looks back to her for a moment an odd almost vulnerable expression crossing his pale face before vanishing completely. Odin looks from Thor to Loki before stepping forward motioning for Thor to remove the gag. With nimble fingers Thor takes off the gag nervousness eating at his insides at the though of which punishment would befall his wayward brother. Loki does not spare Thor a glance, silently staring at his father that cold expression in place. Thor moves to leave before Odin waves him back.

"Thor stay. I wish for you to be here to hear the punishment." Odin states. Thor looks from Loki to Odin and steps forward. "Father I must plead with you to not kill my brother, he-"

"Silence Thor," Odin orders softly and Thor falls quiet. "I am not going to kill Loki. His mother and I have thought it over. Loki has killed many people and caused wide spread panic and destruction. That can not simply be over looked. We have decided rather than kill him or have him tortured as many would prefer, we instead shall reverse his life." Odin states looking at Loki. Thor blinks confused by what his father meant. But Loki catches on quickly. "You think making me a child again will make it all better?" He sneers. Odin sighs softly. "You will be reverted back to a new born child and given to Midgardian to raise. On your 18th birthday you shall be returned to us, your memories restored and hopefully with a new sense of life and no hatred in your heart." He states gravely. Loki blinks. "Even so All father, my memories could return to me with just a glance in the mirror." He replies eyes never leaving Odin. Odin nods. "Yes, you've always been rather clever. It has also be decided that you will be turned into your female counterpart. You rarely ever used her so it would be less likely to jog that memory of yours." He states.

Thor and Frigga were silent. Thor looks towards Loki who lifts his chin defiantly. "If you think taking my memories and gender will make the difference than so be it." He mutters coldly. Odin nods and takes the scepter that rested against the throne. He pointed it at his defiant charge and meets his eyes. "I shall see you again Loki." He whispers before a light consumes the God of Mischief. When the light clears away a crying baby remains were Loki once stood. Frigga quickly goes to the babes side and scoops her up from the cold marble floor. The child's cries soften slightly. Frigga looks to Odin. "We must dress her in something." She mutters and she coos at the baby. Thor quickly removes his scarlet cape and hands it to his mother who wraps the child in it. Odin comes forward and with his wife and son studies the newborn. It it no doubt Loki. Thor thinks as he gently touches the downy black hair upon his tiny head. Her face scrunched up and her eyes peered open showing a brilliant green. Thor swallows and smiles at the infant. Odin strokes the top of her head before looking to Thor. "Thor I am putting the duty upon you to find her a home and family. I would prefer someone you can stay in contact with."

Thor looks from his father to Loki as Frigga hands her to him. He holds her gently almost awkwardly in trying to be gentle. His fingers reached for her cheek and Loki's little hand came forward grasping his finger. Thor looks to his father. "He shall have no memories or powers?" He asks. "His memories are sealed away for now, his powers hidden until the time is right." Odin replies watching his adopted daughter/son with a heavy heart. With one arms still cradling the baby he places his hand on his father's shoulder. "I shall not fail you father." He swears. Taking his deaged brother/sister, he heads towards Heimdall knowing exactly where to take his charge.

Chapter Text

Thor landed in Misgard rather ungracefully nearly falling on his face. The babe let out an indignant squeak and Thor softly attempted to hush her looking at her little face and cooing. She merely stared back unimpressed. No doubt Loki. Thor couldn't help the fond grin and he placed a kiss against the baby's cheek. He glanced up and realized he was just blocks away from Stark Tower also now known as the Avenger. Shifting the baby in his arms he marched off towards the large building past busting crowds. All around lay proof of the battle. Building lay in shambles, cars smashed lights blinking. Stark Tower was still damaged. He looked towards the baby in his arms. "You caused this, little one. I don't know why you did it." He murmured. The baby gurgled and stuck a little hand out and firmly yanked on his beard. Thor chuckled and allowed her to enjoy his facial hair as he headed to the Tower.

XxX

Tony Stark sat casually on the couch beside Pepper. Across from them sat Steve and Bruce. Natasha was looking out the window at the mess that had been made Clint close by sipping on the beer Tony had handed him. "What a mess." Natasha muttered. Clint glanced at the sight. "They're cleaning it up well enough." He replied. He took a swig of the beer. Tony held his bottle in the air in a mock toast. "To Loki, little bastard kept us on our toes." He boasted. Natasha snorted and looked back to the wreckage as Tony downed his beer. Pepper shifted, her head rest again Tony's shoulder. They sat idly chatting for a few moments when Jarvis's soft suave voice spoke. "Mr. Stark." He called. "Uh, yeah Jarvis?" Tony called back. "Mr. Thor is currently at your door." "Thor? Back already? Send him in." Tony called grinning. "Well that was quick." Clint pointed out. "He must have brought Loki back quickly, wam, bam thank you ma'am, and gone." Tony replied. Bruce chuckled. "Always the eloquent one." The doors opened and Thor stepped through a grin appearing on his face when he saw his friends. "Hey buddy. How's it going?" Tony asked. "I am fine thank you." Thor replied. "Can I get you a drink?" Pepper asked standing up. "That is very kind of you Lady Pepper, but I am hear to ask for your help. " "Help? What's wrong?" Steve asked concerned. Thor looked to Steve. "My brother-" "Wait, wait, did he escape?" Tony asked incredulously. "No, no he did not." Thor replied.

It was then Clint noticed that the red bundle Thor was holding moved. "Uh Thor, what's that?" He asked pointing towards the bundle. "Rather than condemn my brother to death or torture, my father has decided to turn Loki into an infant. All his memories are gone and she shall stay in Misgard until his 18th year." Thor said as he uncovered Loki's face so everyone could see. Pepper was quick to coo earning looks from everyone. She smiled sheepishly and looked towards the baby and touched it's soft hair. "Don't give me those looks. A baby's a baby as far as I see it." Everyone crowded closer to get a good look. "You're not so threatening now, are you?" Tony mocked grinning at the baby who stared back with great green eyes. "He's tiny." Bruce commented softly looking at Loki in wonder. "Loki is now a she." Thor explained. "Why?" Steve asked as he glanced at Loki. "Father does not want to risk Loki gaining his memories back. One way to make sure that doesn't happen is take away his natural male form." Thor explained. Bruce looked closely at the baby. "She looks like a newborn. So she has to stay here on Earth for 18 years?" "Yes, and I would be much obliged if one of you took her in." Thor replied looking at the group who instantly backed up. "Oh, no Thor, not happening." Clint stated firmly. Thor snorted. "I've already decided which of you should take care of her.

"Lady Natasha, you're a woman therefor I figured maternal," Thor began and Natasha opened her mouth to protest but Thor continued speaking. "But your life is too full of battling enemies and have sexual frustration with Clint, so you two can not possibly care for her." Clint and Natasha gawked. Thor looked to Bruce. "You are a great frind and ally, but there could be dangers if you keep Loki and you could end up hurting her unintentionally." Bruce nodded in understanding. Then Thor looked towards Steve. "I greatly considered you simply because you are loyal and would be likely to help. I would like all of you to be her honorary Aunt and Uncles. But I've decided on Tony and Lady Pepper to-" "Woah woah wait! I am not taking that...that kid." Tony sputtered while Pepper blinked. Thor looked to Tony. "Please man of Iron. You and Pepper could act as parents to her. I know she will be well protected with you, and Lady Pepper already seems quite smitten with Loki." He pleaded. Tony glanced wildly to Pepper to see her looking at the infant with a small smile. "Pepper..." He began voice strained. Pepper looked towards him face sheepish. "Oh Tony we've talked about possibly having a kid." "Yeah in like ten years, and not a Demi -God." He replied exasperated. Pepper walked towards Thor and held out her arms. "May I?" She indicated to Loki. "Of course." Thor replied, gently handing her the bundle. Loki barely stirred and she fixed her gaze on Pepper. Pepper smiled down at her and turned to show her to Tony who flinched back. "Ah, no. No way are you going to convince me to take her." He replied waving his arms.

Pepper walked right over to him and showed him Loki's little face. "Isn't she adorable. Look at those eyes." Pepper cooed. Tony looked at Loki with disinterest. "Yeah adorable." He mumbled. Pepper huffed. "Thor needs our help." She told him firmly. Tony snorted. "Ah yeah, well as much as I love the bog guy, I'm not exactly interested in the little bundle of terror." He replied pointedly. Thor's face fell his mouth pulled into a look of despair. "I cannot simply give her to anyone." "Well why me?" Tony asked. "Because Man of Iron, you have weapons that can protect her, Lady Pepper to help and my trust." Thor replied. Pepper shifted the baby. Steve and Bruce shared glances smirks appearing on their faces. "I'm sure Fury could-" "NO! My brother/sister shall not be in the hands of the Man of Fury." Thor bellowed looking mortified. Loki at all the noise began to fuss. Thor looked towards her abashed.

"Please say you will take care of her." He said looking back at Tony, who's face was pulled into a scowl. He looked to Pepper who held Loki looking towards Tony. Tony sighed. "Are you in?" He asked. Pepper nodded. "Of course." "...Fine, but we're renaming her." Tony muttered. A smile spread across Pepper's pretty face. Tony felt himself enveloped in large arms and lifted by Thor into a hug. "Thank you my friend. Your loyalty is true!" He bellowed happily. "Uhhh, yeah, yeah, sure." Tony replied wheezing for breath. Thor released him. He walked towards Loki and took her from Pepper. He stared down at his tiny sister/brother. "This shall be the last time I see you for 18 years brother. I shall miss you. Be safe." He whispered to the baby. Gently he kissed her for head and handed her back to Pepper, who's eyes were suspiciously wet. "We'll take good care of her Thor. We all will. I promise." She swore voice soft. Thor nodded. "I have faith in you. I shall return from time to time, but I'm afraid she must not see me. Goodbye my friend. And thank you." He said nodding to each of them. With one last longing look at Loki he turned and walked out of the base, and out of Loki's life.

The door softly shut behind him. Pepper blinked back her tears and looked down at the baby in her arms. "What should we name her?" She asked, looking towards Tony who had slumped back in his seat. He glanced up. He looked towards the baby and then at his team who looked towards him in silence. After a moment her sighed.

"I've always been partial to Lola." He offered.

Pepper nodded in agreement. "Lola Marie Stark." She spoke to the baby. Tony nodded. "Sounds about right." He turned to his team. "Well guys, I guess I'm a dad. Let's go drinking." He declared. Nods of agreement met him and the team stood up. "You coming Pepper?" Tony asked as they walked towards the door. "No you go on I'm going to start a room up for Lok-Lola." Pepper replied. Tony nodded and offered her a smile as they walked out the door. Pepper carried Lola towards the hall and entered one of the empty rooms in Stark tower. She looked around and hummed. "Well I'm guessing you'll still be partial to green and gold. Maybe I can't paint your walls a nice light green." Pepper murmured rocking the baby in her arms. Loki hummed. Pepper looked down at the baby. "Aww, hun you're probably hungry. Let's go to the store and pick you up some formula." She cooed. And with that she walked out the door prepared to start her 18 years with her and Tony's adopted daughter.

ony had only just returned from drinking with they guys when it happened. He and Pepper had greeted each other when the kid began fussing from her nap. Pepper pulled away and the two of them headed to the baby's room. The baby lay in the little bed Pepper had made. Her face was scrunched up unhappily her little fists clenched. Pepper lent down in concern only to draw back. "Gah..." She began. Tony blinked. "What?" He asked stepping closer only for a god awful stench to fill his nostrils. He sprung back mortified. "Oh Jesus! She's already trying to kill us." He stated covering his nose. Pepper shot Tony an exasperated look before sweeping the baby into her arms.

"She needs a diaper change. I bought a pack this morning. Go grab one for me I have some wipes in here." She told him. Tony happy to have an excuse to leave the room did as he was asked. He found the diapers on the counter and took his time grabbing one and heading back to the baby's room. Pepper had already cleaned up the mess and was waiting for the diaper lips pursed. She took the diaper from Tony and put it on the baby. "Next time it's your turn." She concluded as she scooped up Lola/Loki and handed her to Tony. Tony reluctantly took the baby and eyed her. "Sure I am." He replied slowly. Pepper watched Tony for a moment before looking at the baby. "Try not to drop her." She said before walking towards the door. "Hey wait, where are you going?" He asked. Pepper turned. "I have to pick up baby supplies." She replied. "You're leaving me alone!" Tony sputtered. "Don't worry. Lola will watch you." Pepper quipped before walking out of the room leaving Tony and Lola/Loki alone. Tony cleared his throat. The baby didn't react content on keeping her face pressed against Tony's chest drool dribbling from her lip onto his shirt. When Tony noticed this he quickly removed the baby from his chest. The quick movement earned a displeased wail from Lola/Loki and she began to cry. "Woah, woah. Hey kid cool it."

He stated in exasperation. But Lola/Loki was having none of it and continued to cry. Tony glanced around looking for something to distract her, but the baby room was rather barren. He walked out of the room, Lola/Loki tucked under his arm. He walked into the living room and past the kitchen having found nothing for her. Lola/Loki wailed louder and Tony quickened his stride until he reached his lab. He sat the baby down in his chair. Unable to support herself she fell onto her side unhappy. Tony stepped back and quickly suited up in his Iron Man uniform. Lola/Loki's cries stopped at once. Tony looked back to notice her staring at him in silent wonder, something to focused for a regular newborn.

He approached the baby and knelt down happy that it hadn't set her off to more tears. Lola/Loki's fist was stuffed in her mouth and she stared at Iron Man in silence, wet eyes unblinking. Tony chuckled. "How about it kid?" He asked. Lola/Loki let out a low squeal and instantly shot out her saliva coated hands to him. Sighing Tony scooped her up. "No drooling on the suit." He ordered. Lola/Loki babbled in return.

The First Bath.

Tony and Pepper put up a valiant effort to undress Lola/Loki and place her in the lukewarm bathtub. But Lola/Loki squrimed and fussed unhappily. Tony huffed. "She's acting like we're torturing her! Are girls always this dramatic?" He asked flicking water from his hair. Pepper shot him and annoyed look the front of her shirt drenched in water from Lola/Loki's struggle. Tony found himself staring at the wet spot until Pepper cleared her throat loudly. Tony blinked at her and turned his attention back to the baby. Lola/Loki had calmed down a bit and was allowing Pepper to use the baby shampoo on her. She lay quietly on one of those floaty devices. "She's strong for a newborn." Pepper murmured as she washed the soap away. "She's still a Demi God." Tony pointed out.

Pepper scooped Lola/Loki from the tub and handed her to Tony who held out a towel. He wrapped it awkwardly around her and held her in one arm as Pepper let out the drain in the tub. Pepper glanced at the two and smiled. She stood back up and opened her arms from the baby. "Let's go get her dress for bed." She suggested. Tony handed Lola/Loki to Pepper and followed the woman out of the bathroom. The baby's room now had a crib. That was all for now. On Saturday, he and Pepper would leave Lola/Loki with Steve and go get more things. And of Steve was not expecting to babysit her than that was too damn bad. Pepper grabbed a pair of pajamas she had bought and lay Lola down to dress her. It was a small pale green nighty with a smiling crescent moon on the front. Lola/Loki allowed Pepper to dress her, back to stuffing her fist down her throat. Pepper made quick work of putting Lola/Loki's arms in the right place and buttoning it up.

Tony watched from the door as Pepper interacted with the baby. She was great with kids and Lola/Loki seemed to like her enough. Pepper stood back up with the baby in her arms. She carried her out of the room for a quick bottle before bed. Sitting on the couch with Lola/Loki tucked against her she placed the bottle against her lip. Lola/Loki easily took the bottle and drank in silence her large eyes sparkling in the dim light as she fed. Pepper smiled at the baby and cooed as a bit of the formula spilled on her chin. Once Lola/Loki was finished, Pepper took a wet wipe and washed the formula off her chin. "You're so pretty Lola, all the boys are gonna wanna date you." Pepper cooed. Tony's eyes narrowed. "No she's not dating. Ever." He replied loudly startling Pepper and Lola/Loki who let out a low sigh as though ready to argue with Tony. Pepper laughed. "Oh you'll have to be careful Tony. She'll be breaking hearts and leaving names."

First Night.

Pepper had lay Lola/Loki down half and hour ago, but they still stood by the door watching her as she slept. Thor's cape was kept close by the crib, long and red and lovely. "I think we can do this." Pepper whispered to Tony who after a moment nodded in agreement. "Yeah, so do I...she's still never dating though." He pointed out earning a snort from Pepper.

Chapter Text

First Birthday.

Lola had been with Tony and Pepper for nearly a year now. And in that time they had set up a room for her. The walls were painted a pale green with yellow trim. Her cradle had been replaced with something of Tony's making that would alert them if someone that wasn't Pepper or him, got to close to the sleeping baby. The first time it had gone off it had trapped Nick Fury who had been skulking around to look at the baby and see if the rumors were true. He had not been pleased when the crib had suddenly attacked him and locked him into a Tony made trap with the baby outside his reach and laughing as Fury swore. Tony ran into the room half asleep but in his Iron Man suit to see Fury. He stood watching for a moment before breaking into laughter along with his adopted Demi God daughter/son. Tony approached Lola and scooped her up. "Stark! Get me out of this damn thing!" Fury raged. Tony watched Fury for a moment before turning to Lola. "How about it Lolo, should we let him out?" He asked. Lola babbled out in response but Tony took that as a know and he grinned. "Let's go bug Bruce." He suggested earning another babble which he decided was to agree. With child in arm he turned and left the Furious Fury alone.

Currently Lola was being babysat by Steve while Pepper and Tony did some last minute birthday shopping. Lola was just beginning to walk on unsteady feet toddling from one place to another before falling on her butt and huffing in annoyance. Steve helped her back up and she began again. She had yet to really speak yet, Pepper and Tony had been trying to get her to say mama, daddy or Iron Man but Lola was not interested. Steve even through his name for consideration only to have her have a spitting noise in response. While he watched her unsteadily walk he smelt something burning and stood up. The water he had been boiling for pasta had burnt away leaving the pasta scorched. He rushed to the pot and pulled it from the burner turning it off and looking at the ruined food. "God Dammit." He muttered setting the pot down on the counter.

"Dammit..." Came a tiny voice from behind him. Steve turned to see Lola sitting on the floor watching Steve with rounded green eyes. "What did you say?" Steve asked nervously. "Dammit." Lola confirmed. Steve knelt down quickly. "No, no Lola, that's a bad word don't say that." Steve urged her. Lola blinked at him but did no repeat the word setting Steve at ease. When Pepper and Tony returned for her, she was fast asleep and remained so as the left Steve's house to return her home. The week passed without much incident except for a call for The Avengers to rush off somewhere for the first time in nearly a year. It was great to meet up with everyone especially Thor who had remained in Asgard. After defeating their enemy which in all their options was nothing compared to Loki, they all went out for Dinner at a local Taco Bell. Tony invited his team to attend Lola's birthday, his focus more towards Thor who had yet to mention her. Thor looked unsure.

"I don't know if I can do so." He relented softly. Tony scoffed. "Of course you can. She's just a baby, she won't bite." He urged. Thor glanced at Tony in silence before smiling and nodding. "Very well I shall visit my brother/sister." He replied earning a grin from Tony. They all finished their Taco's and agreed to meet and Tony's house in two days for the party.

Pepper dressed Lola in a pale blue dress with matching socks. The baby allowed her mother to dress her babbling at her mother who smiled as she listened. "Very nice Lola, can you say mama?" She asked as she finished dressing the baby and sat her down. Lola stared at her mother and said nothing. Pepper sighed and scooped her daughter up. "You'll have to talk eventually." She pointed out. Lola laughed. Pepper carried Lola out of her room and into the brightly lit living room. Natasha and Clint were already there and Natasha was quick to stand up and hold her hands out towards the baby who squealed. It was a surprise to Tony and Pepper how Natasha had warmed towards the baby. One time while she and Clint were over Pepper had held the baby on her lap when something in Tony's lab exploded, she and Clint had been to their feet in an instant. Pepper handed the baby to Clint and took off towards the lab, Clint in turn handed Lola to Natasha and followed Pepper leaving an awkward Natasha and cooing baby alone. When they returned they were pleasantly surprised to see Natasha cooing back at the baby in turn. And of course while visiting Natasha had declared that when Lola was old enough to learn to defend herself, Natasha would teach her how to do so.

The idea of Lola taking down people with her thighs stumped Pepper, she imagined getting a phone call from what ever school Lola went to and the Principal telling her that Lola had broken a boys neck for looking at her funny. Pepper shared this thought with Tony but he didn't seem too worried about her being able to hold her own in a fight. Pepper handed Lola to Natasha smiled back at the baby. Clint and Pepper shared glances and smiled. Pepper walked into the kitchen and poured her and her guests some apple juice, not the usual drink of choice but it was a safe idea with a baby around. They sat around and sipped at their juice while Lola crawled around on the floor happily gurgling to herself.

They watched as she got to her feet attempted to walk and fell back down. The door opened and Bruce and Steve peeked in. "Come in guys, Tony'll be back soon." Pepper told them. They walked into the room and sat down with the others. Pepper handed them each a glass of apple juice. When Tony finally showed up and hour later and with him was Thor and some of Thor's friends from Asgard. Instantly Tony looked towards the baby grinning and holding his arms out to her. Lola got to her feet unsteadily and toddled quickly over to where Thor stood rooted eyes on his sister. Lola approached the Demi God and everyone watched in baited silence as she stood in front of him and offered him an uneaten animal cracker. Thor was intrigued.

He fell to his knees eyes focused on his sister as she showed him the animal cracker. He took it from her as though it was a great, dear gift. Looking at the cracker and then at her in wonder. Loki watched him and motioned towards the cracker. Quickly Thor put it in his mouth earning a toothless smile from Lola. He smiled back then looked towards Tony.

"Man of Iron, I have a gift I would like to give her." He declared. Tony shrugged. "Go for it." He replied. Thor smiled and stood up turning towards Sif who held out a piece of silvery material. Thor took it from the woman and returned to Lola and knelt down before her while she looked at the lump in Thor's arms with curious green eyes. With a proud smile Thor presented it to her. It turned out to be a cloak made by Elves from another land. The material was soft yet durable and shined in the light. "It will keep her warm in the winter and it shall never tear." Sif pointed out. Although, it proved of course to be to big for her, Thor was not worried. She smiled as Thor wrapped it around her.

"Someday it shall fit you perfectly. Does she still have my cape?" He asked looking to Pepper who nodded smiling. "She uses it as a blanket." She replied. Thor nodded pleased that it was being put to good use. He scooped her up and carried her around Tony's house looking out the window ans pointing at the sky wanting to tell her about their home wanting to have his brother back or even have this child-his sister know who he was. He was soon called back so they could eat some of the mortal food called chocolate cake. Thor and his friends tried the cake cautiously but instantly delved into it.

Lola, so unlike Loki made quite a mess as she tried to offer a fist full of her cake to Clint, who refused as gently as he could. Lola of course could not take no for an answer and in next to no time, the whole side of Clint's head became smeared in the cake as Lola caked it along him face smiling with an open mouth. Clint remained in good humor and even Natasha flashed a grin at the sight.

Later that evening as Lola toddled around holding onto Thor's finger for support Pepper carried out glasses of Ginger Ale for everyone. Sif and Fandrall were quick to try anything given to them. Fandrall finished the Ginger Ale in one gulp then grinned. "I enjoyed this bubbly beverage...ANOTHER!" He declared and before Thor could stop him he violently threw the glass to the ground spraying glass everywhere as Thor quickly scooped Lola out of harms way. The room became silent as they stared at the broken glass.

"God dammit..." Came a soft voice and all eyes went to Lola who was staring at the glass. Thor's mouth opened and shut. Pepper blinked. "...Did she just..." "Uh yeah she did." Tony finished. Pepper bit her lip. "That's her first word...my daughter's first word is..." She couldn't bring herself to finish her sentence and only stared in wonder. "How'd she learn it?" Bruce asked confused. Everyone looked towards Tony who backed up. "Not me guys, I'm a gentleman around my kid. Natasha snorted. "Then who..." Steve suddenly, bashfully stepped forward. Pepper blinked. "Steve?" She began surprised, Tony meanwhile grinned at the other man. "Didn't know you had it in you." He chuckled. Steve shifted. "I'm sorry, I didn't know she'd repeat me." He muttered.

Tony began to laugh while Pepper shot him an exasperated glare. "It's not funny Tony, now she'll be repeating everything she sees and hears." Tony wrapped and arm around Pepper. "C'mon Pepper, don't give me that look, it's fine." He assured her. Pepper looked towards Lola who's attention was now on squishing Thor's face with little hands giggling at the faces he made. She smiled despite herself. "Okay, fine, but watch what you say around her." She replied. Steve helped her clean up the mess of glass as night fell. Thor and his friends assembled to leave and return to Asgard. Thor handed Lola to Tony. "You've taken good care of her. I thank you."

"No problem, she's actually okay when she's not a full grown man throwing me out a window." He chuckled. Thor smiled at Tony and looked towards Lola. "I shall visit, but it will be dangerous if she sees me as she grows older." He ran his hand through his hair and offered Tony a smile. "Thank you for doing this." Tony nodded seriously. "Of course." Thor smiled at Lola who smiled back and blew a raspberry. He ruffled Lola's hair once more before him and his friends left.

Pepper stood leaning against the counter talking to Natasha and Bruce. She sipped at her Ginger Ale and caught Tony's eye and smiled at him. As everyone else said their goodbyes and left Pepper carried Lola to her room humming as she did so. She hung the silver cloak in the closet and lay Lola down placing the badly knit blanket made with love by Bruce over her. She kissed Lola softly on the forehead. "Night sweetie." She hummed. Lola blew a raspberry in response. Smiling Pepper headed to the door. " 'Ight mama." Lola's tiny voice managed. Pepper turned to her daughter and a teary smiled lit her face. "Goodnight Lola."

Pepper closed the door gently and walked back to the living room. Tony was sprawled on the couch. When he caught sight of her he opened his arms and she lay next to him. "Was a pretty good day." Tony pointed out. Pepper nodded. "No explosions only one cuss word. I can't believe it was Steve." She laughed. Tony nodded. "I wonder if he talks that way in bed." He replied. Pepper blinked. "Tony..." "Hey, it's just a thought, and he's attractive..." Pepper whacked Tony's arm laughing. "I'm sure he'd be flattered." "He better be." Tony huffed. Pepper grinned. "I'm sure." Tony kissed her on the side of the face. "Well let's head to bed." He offered. Pepper snorted. 'I'm flattered." "Damn right you are." Tony replied pompously. Standing Pepper hauled Tony to his feet and proudly led him to bed.

Chapter Text

Lola had been with Tony and Pepper for nearly a year now. And in that time they had set up a room for her. The walls were painted a pale green with yellow trim. Her cradle had been replaced with something of Tony's making that would alert them if someone that wasn't Pepper or him, got to close to the sleeping baby. The first time it had gone off it had trapped Nick Fury who had been skulking around to look at the baby and see if the rumors were true. He had not been pleased when the crib had suddenly attacked him and locked him into a Tony made trap with the baby outside his reach and laughing as Fury swore. Tony ran into the room half asleep but in his Iron Man suit to see Fury. He stood watching for a moment before breaking into laughter along with his adopted Demi God daughter/son. Tony approached Lola and scooped her up. "Stark! Get me out of this damn thing!" Fury raged. Tony watched Fury for a moment before turning to Lola. "How about it Lolo, should we let him out?" He asked. Lola babbled out in response but Tony took that as a know and he grinned. "Let's go bug Bruce." He suggested earning another babble which he decided was to agree. With child in arm he turned and left the Furious Fury alone.

Currently Lola was being babysat by Steve while Pepper and Tony did some last minute birthday shopping. Lola was just beginning to walk on unsteady feet toddling from one place to another before falling on her butt and huffing in annoyance. Steve helped her back up and she began again. She had yet to really speak yet, Pepper and Tony had been trying to get her to say mama, daddy or Iron Man but Lola was not interested. Steve even through his name for consideration only to have her have a spitting noise in response. While he watched her unsteadily walk he smelt something burning and stood up. The water he had been boiling for pasta had burnt away leaving the pasta scorched. He rushed to the pot and pulled it from the burner turning it off and looking at the ruined food. "God Dammit." He muttered setting the pot down on the counter.

"Dammit..." Came a tiny voice from behind him. Steve turned to see Lola sitting on the floor watching Steve with rounded green eyes. "What did you say?" Steve asked nervously. "Dammit." Lola confirmed. Steve knelt down quickly. "No, no Lola, that's a bad word don't say that." Steve urged her. Lola blinked at him but did no repeat the word setting Steve at ease. When Pepper and Tony returned for her, she was fast asleep and remained so as the left Steve's house to return her home. The week passed without much incident except for a call for The Avengers to rush off somewhere for the first time in nearly a year. It was great to meet up with everyone especially Thor who had remained in Asgard. After defeating their enemy which in all their options was nothing compared to Loki, they all went out for Dinner at a local Taco Bell. Tony invited his team to attend Lola's birthday, his focus more towards Thor who had yet to mention her. Thor looked unsure.

"I don't know if I can do so." He relented softly. Tony scoffed. "Of course you can. She's just a baby, she won't bite." He urged. Thor glanced at Tony in silence before smiling and nodding. "Very well I shall visit my brother/sister." He replied earning a grin from Tony. They all finished their Taco's and agreed to meet and Tony's house in two days for the party.

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